Race preview: 2012 Valentine Fanconi Anemia Runs

Sunday February 12th will mark the 8th year of the Valentine Fanconi Anemia Runs, a great example of a grass-roots race for a good cause that has rapidly evolved from humble beginnings to become a popular fixture on the local running calendar.

The first year, a few dozen people ran out-and-back along the Waterfront in a no-frills event, that, like many other fundraisers, had more to do with the cause than the competition. Back then there was only a 5k, and timing, results, and awards took a back seat to a friendly atmosphere, good refreshments, and the positive feeling of aiding a new organization (The Fanconi Anemia Research Fund) attempting to combat a pernicious medical condition.

Eight years later, all of that (including the coffee, hot chocolate, and homemade cinnamon rolls) remains, but the race has grown to encompass three different distances (12k, 8k, and the original 5k), boasts professional timing, has attracted a number of great local sponsors, and brings out some of Portland's fastest runners as well as hundreds more of every pace.

This event is a prime illustration of how a vision can become a reality is just a few short years!

Here are the details:

When: Sunday, February 12th

Where: Under the west end of the Morrison Bridge. All races run south along the waterfront and through River Place. The 5k turns around near the OHSU tram, the 8k on the Greenway path, and the 12k at Willamette Park

What time: 8:00a

Registration: $30 per runner 13 and over before midnight on 2/9, or $27 each for groups of four or more who sign up together. $15 for runners 12 and under. Day-of-race fees are $35 for adults and $20 for kids (no group rate). You can download the race brochure or sign up online HERE.